What is a quick cure for anxiety?

Coramae, I use to attack the weeds, too, big time :) But as I got older and was busy with my elderly parents, I found I just could no longer do yard work like I use to. It was such a great exercise. Now if I squat or kneel down to pull weeds, I have trouble standing back up :P

I also go out and pull weeds in my garden. Actually, I pulverize them when I am stressed to the limit.

Dear kssfgirl,

Sorry to hear how you feel. It is a struggle with so many things going on in life. All the suggestions are good. But for myself, I am trying to go back to basics, eating well, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep. I was reading tonight about doing daily affirmations like "I am worth." Repeat 20 times a day if necessary till you believe. Take care of yourself the best you can. Thinking of you.

I wanted to toss in for discussion here...see your physician for advice on dosing. Some antidepressant/antianxiety medications do not work as a "quick fix". They require a person be on them for several weeks to see results.

Xanax. For truly quick and easy. Use it only as needed. Everything else is good too - and much better than a pharmaceutical solution in the longterm. But to be honest, I think Xanax has kept me from having a stroke.

Water and exercise works best for me. Getting out of the house and talking to people helps a lot.

I do meditation yoga, and exercise. I also have my grandkids come over for the afternoon (therapy for me). You have to find what works best for you. Caring for loved ones is extremely stressful and most of us do not get training, we just figure it out as we go. I read, everything I can on my mom's condition and ways to deal with the accompanying behaviors. The more I learn, the better I handle the situation and the less anxiety I have.

I am on an anti-depressant, but it does nothing for my anxiety. I used to take Xanax when I lived in another state & couldn't get to see my mom. Now that I am back in my home state, with my mom, the doctor I see is hesitant to give me anything for sleep or anxiety.

kssfgirl, I take a very low dosage of Xanax. I am pill sensitive, so my primary doctor had to try different anti-anxiety meds to find one that I tolerate. I should have started taking that pill years ago back when I had first started helping my parents because the stress of those 7 years had complicated so many things.

Music and art therapy help me. Put on a CD of your favorite music, sit down, put your feet up, close your eyes and let yourself respond to the music.

Garden catalogues also are wonderfully inspiring; garden magazines are always near me and with me wherever I go. Even if you don't garden, photos of roses, peonies and lovely flowers usually can soften anyone's heart and banish the blues for a while.

If you like tea, brew a cup and sit down, again with your feet up, and just let yourself relax.

Integrate relaxation time into your daily schedule; and make sure you take that time while putting aside all your other chores and obligations at least long enough to restore a calm attitude.

A more analytical method is to make lists of everything you have to do, prioritize, and choose only one to do. It's hard - sometimes everything seems so important it has to all be done today. I think these concepts of what we perceive is necessary, as well as health concerns of ourselves and our loved ones, are the hardest anxieties to battle - often there's little control we have over them. And that lack of control is one of the most important things to recognize.

Can I ask u what u take. Tx.

Is it ok to ask what med helped you. I took half of an Ativan a bit ago just to get some relief for the day.

Exercise can help if you have the time and energy.

I was dealing with major anxiety while trying to help my parents because I was placed into a situation where I knew nothing "about this job" and had no mentor to guide me. I got away from exercising and that cause major health issues with me. Now I am taking meds to help with my anxiety.